A child-led tour of the North Frisian island of Sylt

Duration 07:16

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Description

Sylt is an island very close to Germany and Denmark. Connected by the Hindenburg causeway to the mainland, this 30km long island is, at its thinnest point, only a few hundred metres across. It is covered in dunes and heathland, and battered by the strong westerly winds from the North Sea. Its west coast is constantly subjected to coastal erosion, but sheltered on the east, where the Wadden Sea lies, is a world heritage site.

Helen is 11-years-old and explains what life is like on the island, and how the impact of tourism and migration has changed Sylt's geography. With her friends, she shows us the Wadden Sea and the important conservation work being undertaken there.

Classroom Ideas

Prior to the lesson, it is important to research where Sylt is and how it is linked to Germany. Children will need to understand some of the important features and vocabulary linked to this island eg dam, causeway, heathland, dunes. Give the children a map of the area and they can plot these features onto the map and give details about what they are and what they are used for. They can also give an explanation about why they think people tend to only live on the island during the summer.